08/28/2002

Associated Press

The lawyer for accused killer Christian Longo has sought to have the trial moved out of Lincoln County, citing the heavy media attention the case has generated.

In papers filed in support of the pretrial motion, defense attorney Ken Hadley said a sampling of public opinion convinced Longo's defense team that a fair trial is impossible without a change of venue.

"The media has given extensive local, statewide and national coverage to every detail of the whereabouts, arrest and court proceedings involving Mr. Longo's case," Hadley wrote. "The media continues to follow this case and report details of matters that would not be admissible in a guilt phase trial."

Christian Longo in court. (KGW File Photo)

Longo, 28, is charged with killing his wife and three small children last December and dumping their bodies along the central Oregon coast. He was arrested Jan. 16 in Mexico and is charged with aggravated murder.

The Lincoln County district attorney has said the prosecution will seek the death penalty.

Longo hasn't pled to the charges but is expected to do so in an Oct. 1 court appearance, the first of several days in October blocked out by Judge Robert Huckleberry to deal with pretrial motions and other matters related to the case. No trial date has been set.

In arguing for a change of venue, Hadley suggested that a court hearing be held 30 days before the trial date, at which time the defense would offer evidence about prejudicial media coverage and a scientific survey of public opinion in Lincoln County regarding the case.

If Huckleberry grants the motion, he would then decide where the trial should be moved after hearing from prosecution and defense lawyers.

Many of the 20 or so pretrial motions filed by Hadley were routine, including a motion to dismiss the charges.

(Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)